Islamabad: The National Assembly Secretariat has issued an official reply to MNA Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar (NA-149) regarding his letter dated 6 October 2025 concerning the process for appointing the Leader of the Opposition.
According to the spokesperson of the National Assembly Secretariat, the written response draws attention to Rules 39 and 39-B of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007. These rules clearly outline the procedure for submitting names and the subsequent declaration of the Leader of the Opposition. Under Rule 39(2), the Honourable Speaker is required to announce the date, time, and venue for Members of the National Assembly to submit their duly signed proposals for the position.
The spokesperson added that, as per established parliamentary practice, such announcements are made on the floor of the House, ensuring that all Members are given an equal and transparent opportunity to put forward a candidate.
The reply further clarifies that since the Honourable Speaker has not yet announced any schedule for the submission of proposals, no request or nomination can be entertained at this stage. The Secretariat will act strictly in accordance with the Rules once the Speaker issues the required announcement under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, 2007.
The Secretariat's response also cites a recent order of the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan dated 29 October 2025 in CPLA No. 4446 to 4449 of 2025 (Omer Ayub Khan and others vs. Federation of Pakistan and Syed Shibli Faraz vs. Federation of Pakistan). Through this order, the Supreme Court set aside the earlier Peshawar High Court decision to adjourn certain writ petitions sine die and directed the High Court to determine their maintainability and decide them accordingly.
The spokesperson confirmed that, as mentioned in the reply, the matter concerning the disqualification of Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, former Leader of the Opposition, is currently sub-judice before the Peshawar High Court.